Our Reading Store is Temporarily Closed
The wellbeing of our customers and staff is of the utmost importance to us and because of this we feel it is now in the best interests of both to close our store until further notice. We continue to operate our online and mail order service.

How To Find Us

Simply leave the M4 at Jn 12 and follow the A4 towards Theale. Look out for the signs to Theale Station and follow them. Once you reach the station, proceed for 150yds (over hump backed bridge) and take the first turning on the right hand side.

About the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre

Our Reading store forms the hub of the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre and offers 1500 square feet of retail space amidst 45 acres of delightful Berkshire countryside, including the famous Haywards Farm and Hobby Lakes, two of the finest trout fisheries in the UK.

We carry an extensive range of products, including tackle, clothing and accessories from the biggest brands in fishing and, because choosing a new fishing outfit is a big decision, you can test cast your chance a range of rods and lines on the lake. We also offer a generous part-exchange rod upgrade offer if you wish to replace your outfit with one of the stunning new models available.

Fishing at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre

Haywards Farm Lake

The 12-acre Haywards Farm Lake is a crystal clear, spring-fed fishery with superbly sculpted landscaping and additional oxygenation. Regular stocking is with a mix of full-finned rainbows with a high proportion of brown trout. The fish currently average around 3lb with plenty in the 5lb to 8lb range and there is a good head of doubles, with rainbows to over 13lb and browns to over 15lb caught recently.

There is ample free parking, a newly-refurbished lodge offering a lounge area, kitchen, male and female toilets and an outside picnic and barbecue area.

A variety of ticket options are available, including catch and release and boat fishing. Opportunities for float tube use and family fishing days are also available

Hobby Lake

The smaller Hobby Lake is available for exclusive group booking only for parties of up to four friends, colleagues or family members to enjoy. With a separate lodge, barbecue facilities and the use of two boats it is an ideal place to escape to, allowing you to chill out and enjoy some fabulous, relaxed fishing with friends.

Fish stock includes a sizeable population of fantastic tiger trout to 12lb, along with some exceptional browns, rainbows, blue and golden trout.

For further details of fishing at the Game Fishing Centre call us on 0118 930 3860 or via the Game Fishing Centre website

Sportfish Game Fishing Centre Team

Jonathan Randall

Retail manager at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre

I have worked at Sportfish since 2003. Starting initially as a work experience placement after leaving Sparsholt College then earning promotion to assistant manager followed by store manager in 2008. I have fished in Norway for salmon, in North America for steelhead and in the Bahamas for bonefish.

Farlows Group Tuition manager and instructor at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre

I have been with Sportfish since 2008 and have a broad fishing background. I am the Farlows Group Tuition Manager, based at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre and I specialise in single and double-handed disciplines for trout and salmon. When not teaching at the store or helping in the shop I can be found guiding chalkstreams for trout in the summer and grayling in the winter.

I joined Sportfish in 2018, having started my love of fly fishing from the age of 13.

I have fly fished in locations such as South Africa, Mozambique and Chile, in addition to St. Brandon’s Atoll, Farquhar and Alphonse Island. I am also a keen fly tyer - so do ask me for advice when you call in-store!

I started with Sportfish in Reading back in 2008 having relocated from Derbyshire.

I grew up trout fishing on small rivers and lakes then progressed onto reservoirs and represented England 3 times as a youth. I qualified as an instructor at 16 and have competed in casting competitions up to World Championship level winning many titles along the way.

I joined Sportfish in 2016, having retired after 30 years’ service as a police detective.

Although I am an experienced fisherman I am continually seeking to develop my fly fishing skills and knowledge and being based at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre allows me to do just that.

I have fly fished in locations such as Mexico, Cuba, Iceland, the Canaries and Madeira and, in addition to working in the shop, I have also taken over the supervision of the two onsite lakes. My aim is to help provide a peaceful setting for people of all skill levels to catch fish and to create a safe environment for both anglers and wildlife.

Telephone: 0118 930 3860

Campbell Thomson

Sales advisor and instructor at the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre

I have fished for salmon both at home and abroad including Russia, Iceland and most recently Norway. I have also had the good fortune to have fished in various tropical saltwater destinations including Mexico.

We Accept the following

By continuing to use this website, you are agreeing to the storing of first and third-party cookies on your device that enable us to provide our service. For example, they allow you to shop online, or allow us to analyse site usage using an anonymous ID in order to enhance your experience on this site, such as using relevant ads or personalisation. You can find out more and manage cookies HERE.